JP2007037142A - Internet protocol television authorization filtering - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a method and apparatus for authorizing activity in an IPTV environment. <P>SOLUTION: A requested activity can be a request to view a pay-per-view program or purchase an item. An account server receives a request from a viewer and checks the cost of the request against a spending limit of the viewer. If the cost of the requested item exceeds the amount available in viewer's account, the viewer receives a message and is offered an option to request an exception to exceed the spending limit. A request for an exception to exceed the spending limit is received at the account server, and an account administrator is notified of the receipt of the request for the exception. A response is received from the account administrator to grant authorization. If no response is received within a selected time limit, the request can be implicitly rejected. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to the field of electronic commerce within an interactive IPTV (Internet Protocol Television) environment. In particular, the present invention relates to a method and apparatus for authorizing activity within an IPTV environment.

  Internet access creates a new way to replace existing ones for providing video programming. To a certain extent, the Internet is already being used to provide video programming at a lower price than existing technologies. IPTV (Internet Protocol Television) is a system for transmitting television content via a high-speed Internet connection. Conventional television content is transmitted to the television set, either via cable, satellite, or wireless, usually in the form of analog or digital signals. Similar to VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) for telephone signals, IPTV includes video data in a packet of data and transmits it over the Internet. This data can then be stored on a server and sent to either a computer or a special set-top box via a high-speed broadband link such as an ADSL (asymmetric digital subscriber line) or cable. IPTV can be in the form of live television signals or facilitates VOD (video on demand) as stored video. In order for a person sitting at home to watch IPTV, a computer or set-top box connected to the TV is required. In the presence of adequate bandwidth, IPTV is capable of a large set of services compared to cable television and standard wireless distribution.

  Purchasable IPTV television services offer many options for television viewers. In addition to channels that are received and billed monthly, such as channels called HBO (Home Box Office) and CNN (Cable News Network), some programs and products can be requested by viewers and televisions.・ It is charged separately through the service. An example of such a required program is a pay-per-view (PPV) program. Pay-per-view programs are typically associated with events that occur once and are not easily incorporated into the network schedule, such as a live boxing match. Alternatively, viewers can order a movie and watch the movie at their convenience. When the viewer selects the movie they want to watch and presses the select button on the remote controller, the movie is displayed. By selecting a PPV program, the viewer agrees to pay for the program. The details of the PPV program will be included in the next month's billing.

  Currently, certain options are available to allow a household to budget for the number of PPV programs viewed per month by maintaining a PPV account. Typically, these PPV accounts are designed to allow parental control through a single account administrator. One way that these accounts can be managed is to access account services from television / cable providers via a local set-top box (STB), typically using a remote control device. . The account administrator enters a password to gain administrative access. Several industries, including CATV (Cable TV) and satellite television, provide a single spending limit per account. One spending limit allows an account administrator to budget for purchases within a PPV account. Purchases are checked against spending limits to ensure that viewers remain within budget. There is a need for a more flexible budget system for IPTV accounts.

  The present invention discloses a method for authorizing activities (eg, spending and viewing) within an IPTV (Internet Protocol Television) environment. The account server receives requests from viewers for specific activities, such as viewing or purchasing IPTV items. The IPTV item can be a pay-per-view (PPV) program, service, software, or product. The account server checks the price of the item against the viewer's authorization limit. Authorization limits generally include multiple filters to limit the amount spent, MPAA (Motion Picture Association of America) ratings and other ratings for the program being watched, viewing time limits and duration for the viewer's account Implemented by applying per activity. Each sub-user member or viewer of an IPTV account is assigned one or more authorization filters. These filters reside on the account server or on the set top box. Obtain a username and password from the viewer to apply the correct authorization filter. If the price or rating of the requested item exceeds the authorization limit specified in the viewer's account, the viewer will receive a message and will be allowed to exceed their authorization limit. Provided with options. A request for an exception exceeding the authorization limit is received at the account server and the account administrator is notified that a request for an exception has been received. The request to the account administrator typically includes the viewer's username, the item selected for viewing or purchase, and a description, rating, and fee for the item. The account server uses various communication channels, such as sending email to one or more email addresses, text messaging, or calling the account administrator's phone number. Notify the administrator.

  Authorization can be granted through an administrator response to the notification. In general, if the account administrator does not respond within the time limit, the request can be implicitly rejected or rejected. Account managers can also pre-program specific scenarios to automatically grant exceptions when exceptions are requested. For example, the administrator can set a generous limit and a strict limit (eg, a generous authorization limit = $ 3, MPAA = G, a strict authorization limit = $ 5, MPAA = PG-13). Thus, if a generous authorization limit is reached, an exception is requested and the request for an exception is automatically granted if the requested activity does not exceed the strict limit. In the above example, a request to watch a $ 5 PG-13 movie is initially rejected and then automatically granted when an exception request is made. The limit on the number of automatic exceptions can be set to 1 or any number N. The delay (10-20 minutes) in authorizing an automatic request can be programmed to emulate the steps received for the account administrator's authorization.

  Other authorization filters for budgeting IPTV accounts are also available. For example, parents can budget their monthly spending for PPV programs for each of their children (account sub-users). For example, the parent can select $ 10 per month per child as spending on a pay-per-view program (the symbol $ in this case refers to a monetary value such as US dollars). Then, the child can watch five programs of $ 2 or one program of $ 10 before using up the amount for viewing set in the budget. Alternatively, the parent can set a monetary limit on the price of each individual program that can be selected (ie, $ 5 per program). In addition, parents use programs such as GAA, Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) such as G, PG, PG-13, R, X, and NC-17, and programs with a high degree of violence, nudity, dirty language, etc. Access to children can be restricted. Authorization limits limit activity during a given time frame (for example, one movie per day) or limit activity to a certain time period per period (from Sunday to Thursday 11 pm You can also ban movies after that).

  Sometimes viewers may want to watch another program even after they have used up their purchase price for their monthly budget. This would require an exception from the account administrator (ie parent) to get permission. Since the content provider keeps track of the authorization filter, it asks the account administrator for consent to the exception. An account administrator can authorize exceptions to established authorization filter settings (expenditure limits, MPAA ratings, etc.) to allow account sub-user members to exceed their authorization limits.

  In one aspect of the invention, a method and apparatus for authorizing activity within an IPTV (Internet Protocol Television) environment is provided, the method and apparatus receiving an activity request from a viewer seeking IPTV activity, Check that activity request against the filter for viewers, and if the activity exceeds the authorization limit in the filter, reject the activity request and request to exceed the authorization limit in the filter , Request authorization, present the request to the account administrator, and notify the viewer of the authorization. In another aspect of the invention, the authorization limit includes at least one of a set consisting of an MPAA rating, an amount, a duration of activity, and a limit of activity per period. In another aspect of the invention, the activity includes at least one of a set consisting of viewing an event and purchasing an item. In another aspect of the invention, the filter further comprises a plurality of cascaded filters. In another aspect of the invention, the request further includes a viewer username, activity name, MPAA rating, and fee. In another aspect of the invention, the step of notifying the account administrator includes contacting the account administrator in at least one of a set consisting of an email address, a text message, and a telephone number. The method further includes the step of: In another aspect of the invention, the method and apparatus imports external authorization limits from a filter for another viewer into the filter. In another aspect of the invention, the authorization limit further includes a strict limit and a generous limit, and the method and apparatus provides that the activity request exceeds the generous limit, but the strict limit is exceeded. If not exceeded, the authorization request is automatically authorized. In another aspect of the invention, a first interface that receives a viewer's request for IPTV activity, a second interface that receives a request to exceed an authorization limit for the viewer, A set of application program interfaces is provided that includes a third interface that receives an authorization for.

  This summary of certain features of the invention has been summarized rather broadly so that they may understand the contributions that they have made to the art so that they may better understand the detailed description thereof that follows. . There are, of course, additional features of the invention that will form the subject matter of the appended claims and will be described hereinafter.

  For a detailed understanding of the present invention, reference should be made to the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are designated with like numerals. Yes.

  In view of the foregoing, the present invention is presented through one or more of its various aspects and / or embodiments, and provides one or more advantages as described below.

  FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary implementation of the present invention. A television content provider 106, such as an IPTV content provider, provides content to the television 102 through a set top box (STB) 104. Viewers at the remote control device 114 typically select television content using the remote control device 114 that communicates with the STB. Account server 108 includes in database 111 information used for billing purposes, such as monthly billing information associated with requested IPTV items, such as pay-per-view (PPV) programs. The account server communicates with the STB 104 to track viewer filters and budgets. Filters and information can be stored in the set top box, but saving the filters and information on the server has the advantage of a single storage location accessible to the set top box and account server Is provided. The viewer presses a button on the remote control device when selecting an IPTV item. The amount is then charged to the viewer's account on the account server. If one household account has multiple subaccounts (one subaccount for each member of the family), the viewer enters a username and password when selecting an IPTV item. In this way, the correct subaccount is charged. The account server further includes information that enables contact with the account administrator 110. For example, the account server can maintain an account administrator's e-mail (e-mail) address, work phone number, mobile phone (mobile phone) number, and the like. The account manager is the representative of the account and is usually the parent of the household. Here, for the purpose of explaining the present invention, the unit of family including parents and children is used. However, it should be understood that the present invention can be used in connection with any group of people, such as a fraternity or company. The account server communicates with the content server 106 and signals the content server to deliver IPTV content to the viewer.

  FIG. 2 shows an exemplary display screen 200 in one aspect of the invention showing various filters at the account level. The filter enforces authorization limits, such as viewer spending limits, thereby managing viewer purchases and viewing behavior. The present invention includes applications for controlling viewing activity and budget spending at the account and viewer level. The account level handles the total amount spent by customers or households, and the viewer level controls the spending of individual viewers or family members. One or more filters work at the account level and a set of sub-filters work at the individual viewer level. These filters are cascaded so that all authorization filter limits are met.

  FIG. 2 is shown as an example, and displays five filters 202, 204, 206, 208, and 210 that are used to separately manage authorization limits and viewing budgets for five separate viewers. Has been. These filters can be selected in any order, and any time period can be selected for any of these filters. The filters are generally activated in order from top to bottom, and the lower filters can be partially hidden from the screen when not activated. Each filter is represented for each single viewer or household associated with an IPTV account by a budget (eg, amount per period, where the amount is represented herein using the symbol “$”). ), MPAA rating (G, PG-13, R, X, NC-17), activity per period (up to 1 movie per day, up to 2 movies per week), and time limit (Sunday) To Thursday, it has a field for inputting a standard for defining an activity after 11 pm is prohibited. The spending budget, or spending limit, can be defined, for example, by the amount spent per program, or the amount spent per period (ie per day, per week, per month, per quarter, etc.). The account manager assigns an amount 214 to the assigned unit 212 and establishes a spending limit or budget. In this way, the viewer can be given a budget up to a certain amount of spending (eg, $ 2 per program, $ 10 per week, $ 25 per month, etc.). The time limit for the activity that crosses the deadline is calculated based on the duration of the event and its start time. Therefore, the 150 minute movie starting at 9 pm ends after 11 pm, which exceeds the authorization limit of 11 pm. The request for this movie can be rejected as defined by the account administrator in the authorization filter, or the viewing can be temporarily suspended at 11:00 pm and terminated within the next day from 8 am to 11 pm it can. Viewers can import authorization limits or permissions from other users. Authority to import authority from another user is subject to exceptions authorized by the account administrator. For example, two members of the family, or viewers, pool their own authorization limits of $ 3.00 each to purchase a $ 5.00 movie and set an authorization limit of $ 6.00. Obtainable. In another example, when two viewers enter their passwords to watch a PG-13 rated movie together, younger viewers (with MPAA authorization G) MPAA ratings can be imported from an older viewer's authorization filter (with MPAA authorization limit R). In this scenario, the account administrator can pre-program automatic authorization for this exception, or explicitly grant or deny exceptions for importing authorization limits when requested.

  A further feature allows account managers to equally divide the amount budgeted for the family among the family members. “Equally split” checkbox 220 automatically splits the amount entered at the account level (representing the amount budgeted for the whole family) between the filters (ie family members) can do. The account administrator can select the “divide equally” button to divide the amount equally between the filters, but can also have further access to each individual filter at the viewer level.

  FIG. 3 shows a detailed screen display 300 of a typical filter at the individual viewer level. The viewer's name 304, user number 302, and password 306 are displayed on the screen display. Each individual user's password can identify the viewer's sub-filter and thereby adjust individual spending limits. Filter 300 includes a plurality of sub-filters. Several methods are provided for entering amounts within a subfilter, including a drop-down box with a set amount. Each sub-filter represents an assigned unit, such as 310 per program, 312 per day, 314 per week, 316 per month, and 318 per quarter. The account administrator can determine the amount allocated to each subfilter. For example, as a result of children's good practices, parents reward children by allowing a weekly spending limit on television programs, for example, $ 10 per week. Therefore, the filter 314 is used ($ 10 is input). Parents further want their children to spend the money evenly throughout the week, rather than spending money on a single $ 10 pay-per-view program. Therefore, filter 310 is used ($ 2 is entered) to limit the viewer to $ 2 per program. Thus, a child can purchase up to $ 2 programs per program and watch these five programs throughout the week ($ 2 per program and $ 10 per week).

  When a viewer selects a PPV program, the viewer's sub-filter is checked at the same time to determine whether the viewer has a sufficient budget amount. The filters are usually checked in order from the longest period to the shortest period. For the example of FIG. 3, $ 50 is allocated to 318 per quarter and $ 15 is allocated to 316 per month. Assume that the viewer is watching a program worth $ 12 that month in the quarter. If the viewer requests a $ 5 PPV program, the present invention first checks to see if there is enough money allocated for that quarter. Under the above assumption, this viewer has $ 38 as the rest to spend on the PPV program within that quarter, so this viewer is allowed according to the quarterly filter. become. The invention then checks whether there is enough money allocated for that month. Under the above assumptions, this viewer has $ 3 as the rest to spend on the PPV program this month, so this viewer is not allowed to watch the $ 5 program. The net result is that this viewer cannot purchase a $ 5 PPV program.

  FIG. 4 shows a procedure for managing budgets at the account level and at the viewer level. The account administrator assigns each user in the home to a particular filter by adding a username 410 and selecting a password 412 as shown in the display 402. The user then determines spending limits for the household based on various filter settings, such as in display 404. Filters can be selected on a per-quarter, per-month, per-week, and per-day basis, and per-program fee basis. Filter limits are then set at the individual viewer level, as in display 406. For example, viewer “Mike” has a weekly filter 422 that budgets $ 20 purchase per week. The viewer “Joe” has a filter 424 per program and a filter 426 per day. A per program filter 424 gives him a budget of up to $ 5 per program, and a daily filter 426 gives him a purchase budget for a fee of $ 5 or less.

  An account administrator can manage an account from any STB using a remote control device. When management is complete, the settings are uploaded to the network server so that spending limits are available at the content provider and all associated STBs. Thus, there is no need to set individual limits at each STB at home. Overall spending limits and individual spending limits are tracked at all STBs at home.

  FIG. 5 shows a flowchart 500 of an exemplary aspect of the present invention for authorizing a viewer to exceed an authorization limit, such as spending, MPAA, or viewing limit. If authorized in this way, an exception is provided to the viewer. By exception, viewers can exceed their authorization limits or budget amounts once authorized or authorized by the account administrator. This exception applies to a single purchase of an IPTV item such as a PPV program. If a viewer purchases a second IPTV item and the viewer again exceeds his / her budget, a second exception is required. In general, when a viewer attempts to purchase an IPTV item, the viewer informs the account server of his / her user name. The account server checks the filter to determine whether the viewer account balance indicated by the user ID has a sufficient amount (box 502). If the amount is sufficient, an IPTV item is provided (box 504). If the amount is insufficient, the account server creates a reply message to the viewer that provides the viewer with an option to request an exception to purchase the IPTV item (box 506). The viewer then requests an exception (box 508). When the account server receives the request, the account server notifies the account administrator of a request for an exception by one of the account viewers (box 510). Account administrator notification can occur through various media including email, text messaging, and telephone numbers. Emails can be sent to multiple email addresses. The email or phone typically gives the account administrator the username of the viewer requesting the purchase of the IPTV item, as well as the name of the item for which an exception is requested, the account balance, and the fee for the requested item. Tell. When an administrator is contacted by telephone, the administrator may respond to the account server by responding with voice to the voice response system or by pressing an indicated button such as the “1” button. it can. In order to maintain the integrity of the administrator's response, the account administrator enters an identification code known to the account administrator. Exception grants or authorizations can be explicitly granted or denied by the account administrator. If there is no response from the administrator within the specified period, an implicit rejection can be made. This designated period can be a standard period set by the content provider or can be a period selected by the administrator. The viewer can be notified to wait for the administrator's response. A calendar can also be established so that account managers are not asked for permission when it is not convenient, such as when the manager is not available. In such cases, the request for an exception is rejected. In box 512, when an administrator decision is received, the account server proceeds with the appropriate action, i.e., displays or does not display the PPV program.

  FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic representation of a machine in the form of a computer system 600 within which any of the methods discussed herein can be performed when a set of instructions are executed. One or more of the following may be executed by this machine. In some embodiments, the machine functions as a stand-alone device. In some embodiments, this machine can connect to other machines (eg, using a network). In a networked deployment, this machine is within the capacity of the server or client user's machine in a network environment consisting of a server and a client user, or a peer machine in a peer-to-peer (or distributed) network environment. Can function as. This machine is a server computer, client user computer, PC (personal computer), tablet PC, STB (set-top box), PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), mobile phone, mobile device, palmtop computer, Laptop computer, desktop computer, personal digital assistant, communication device, wireless telephone, landline telephone, control system, camera, scanner, facsimile machine, printer, pager, personal trusted device, web equipment, network A set of instructions (sequential or otherwise) that specify the action taken by the router, switch, or bridge, or the machine It is possible to include any machine that can run. It will be appreciated that the devices of the present invention broadly include any electronic device that provides voice, video, or data communication. Further, although illustrated for a single machine, the term “machine” refers to a single set of instructions (or a plurality of instructions) for performing any one or more of the methods discussed herein. Set) is to be interpreted as including any set of machines that execute individually or in conjunction.

  The computer system 600 can include a processor 602 (eg, a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), or both), a main memory 604, and a static memory 606. , Communicate with each other via bus 608. The computer system 600 may further include a video display unit 610 (eg, a liquid crystal display (LCD), a flat panel, a solid state display, or a cathode ray tube (CRT)). Computer system 600 includes an input device 612 (eg, a keyboard), a cursor control device 614 (eg, a mouse), a disk drive unit 616, and a signal generation device 618 (eg, a speaker or remote control). And a network interface device 620.

  The disk drive unit 616 can include machine-readable media 622 on which any of the methods or functions described herein, including the methods described herein above. One or more sets of instructions (eg, software 624) that embody one or more of the are stored. The instructions 624 may reside entirely or at least partially in the main memory 604, static memory 606, and / or the processor 602 while being executed by the computer system 600. Main memory 604 and processor 602 may also constitute machine-readable media. Dedicated hardware implementations, including but not limited to application specific integrated circuits, programmable logic arrays, and other hardware devices, are similarly used to implement the methods described herein. Can be built. Applications that can include the devices and systems of the various embodiments broadly include a variety of electronic systems and computer systems. Some embodiments are within a plurality of specific interconnected hardware modules or devices, with associated control and data signals communicated between those modules, or one of the application specific integrated circuits. As part, it performs the function. Accordingly, the system of this example is applicable to software, firmware, and hardware implementations.

  In accordance with various embodiments of the present invention, the methods described herein are intended for operation as a software program running on a computer processor. In addition, software implementations may also be constructed to perform the methods described herein, including but not limited to distributed processing or component / object distributed processing, parallel processing, or virtual machine processing. .

  The present invention contemplates machine readable media containing instructions 624 or those that receive and execute instructions 624 from propagated signals so that a device connected to network environment 626 can receive voice, video, and so on. Alternatively, data can be sent or received and communicated over network 626 using instructions 624. Instructions 624 can be further transmitted or received over network 626 via network interface device 620.

  Although the machine-readable media 622 is shown as a single media in the example embodiments, the term “machine-readable media” refers to a single media or a plurality of media that store one or more sets of instructions. It should be construed to include media (eg, centralized or distributed databases, and / or associated caches and servers). The term “machine-readable medium” can store, encode, or carry a set of instructions for execution by a machine and cause the machine to perform any one or more of the methods of the present invention. It shall be interpreted as including any media. Thus, the term “machine-readable medium” refers to a memory card or other package that stores one or more read-only (non-volatile) memory, random access memory, or other rewritable (volatile) memory. Solid-state memory such as, magneto-optical or optical media such as disks and tapes, and carrier signals such as signals that embody computer instructions in transmission media, and / or digital attachments to emails, or other built-in types Including, but not limited to, an information archive or set of archives, etc., and considered a distribution medium equivalent to a tangible storage medium. Accordingly, the present invention is directed to machine-readable media or distribution media that contain software implementations herein, such as those listed herein, and equivalents and successor media recognized in the art. Any one or more of these are considered to be included.

  Accordingly, as previously presented, the present invention provides a method, computer readable media, and application interface for authorizing activity within an IPTV (Internet Protocol Television) environment. The method includes receiving an activity request from a viewer seeking IPTV activity, checking the activity request against a filter for the viewer, and the activity exceeds an authorization limit in the filter. In some cases, rejecting or rejecting the activity request, receiving an exception request to exceed the authorization limit in the filter, presenting the exception request to the account administrator for authorization, Informing the viewer of the authorization. In one aspect, the authorization limit includes at least one of a set consisting of an MPAA rating, an amount, a duration of activity, and activity per period. The activity can include at least one of a set consisting of viewing an event and purchasing an item. The filter can include a plurality of cascaded filters. In one aspect, the step of submitting an exception request includes account management of at least one of a set consisting of a viewer username, activity name, account balance, MPAA rating, and fee. Further comprising providing to the person. Also, presenting the exception request may include contacting the account administrator using at least one of a set consisting of an email address, a text message, and a telephone. it can. Authorization limits can be imported into the filter. Authorization limits can include strict limits and generous limits so that when an exception request is sent to an account administrator, the activity request exceeds the generous limit, Authorization can be granted automatically if strict limits are not exceeded. In one aspect, the filter can be stored in at least one of a set consisting of a server and a set top box. The present invention further provides a computer readable medium accessible to a server for executing instructions contained in a computer program embedded in the computer readable medium, wherein the computer program is a viewer seeking IPTV activity. An instruction to receive an activity request from, an instruction to check the activity request against the filter for the viewer, and the activity if the activity exceeds the authorization limit in the filter An instruction to reject the request, an instruction to receive an exception request to exceed the authorization limit in the filter, an instruction to present the exception request to the account administrator for authorization, and to the viewer And a command for notifying the authorization. In one aspect, the authorization limit can include at least one of a set consisting of an MPAA rating, an amount, a duration of activity, and activity per period. In one aspect, the activity can include at least one of a set consisting of viewing an event and purchasing an item. The filter can include a plurality of cascaded filters. The instruction to present the exception request provides the account administrator with at least one of a set consisting of the viewer's username, activity name, account balance, MPAA rating, and fee. Instructions may be included. The instructions for submitting an exception request are also for contacting the account administrator using at least one of a set consisting of an email address, a text message, and a telephone number. Instructions can be included. Further instructions can be used to import authorization limits into the filter. Authorization limits can include strict limits and generous limits so that when an exception request is sent to an account administrator, the activity request exceeds the generous limit, Authorization can be granted automatically if strict limits are not exceeded. The filter can be stored in at least one of a set consisting of a server and a set top box.

  In another aspect, the present invention provides a first interface that receives a viewer request for IPTV activity, a second interface that receives an exception request to exceed an authorization limit for the viewer, and an activity A set of application program interfaces embodied on a computer readable medium for execution on a computer with an application program in an IPTV environment, including a third interface for receiving an authorization for. In one aspect, the authorization limit further comprises at least one of a set consisting of an MPAA rating, an amount, a duration of activity, and a limit of activity per period. Authorization limits can also include imported authorization limits. In one aspect, authorization limits can include strict limits and generous limits so that when an exception request is sent to an account administrator, the activity request exceeds the generous limit. However, if the strict limits are not exceeded, authorization can be granted automatically.

  The components and functions of embodiments of the present invention can be implemented using currently available standards and protocols. However, the present invention is not limited to such standards and protocols. Internet and other standards for packet-switched network transmission (eg, TCP / IP, UDP / IP, HTML, HTTP) represent examples of current technology. Such standards are periodically replaced by faster or more efficient equivalents that have essentially the same function. Accordingly, alternative standards and protocols having the same functionality are considered equivalent.

  A summary of the invention is provided so that the reader can quickly ascertain the essence of the technical invention. This Abstract is presented with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

  Although the present invention has been described with reference to several exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the language used is a description and an example, not a limitation. Changes may be made within the scope of the appended claims as described and modified herein without departing from the scope and spirit of aspects of the invention. Although the invention has been described with reference to specific means, components and embodiments, the invention is not intended to be limited to the details disclosed, but rather is It extends to all functionally equivalent structures, methods, and uses that fit within the terms.

FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary implementation of the present invention. FIG. 6 shows an exemplary display screen showing various filters at the account level. FIG. 4 shows a detailed screen display of an exemplary filter at an individual viewer level. FIG. 4 illustrates a procedure for managing budgets at the account level and at the viewer level. It is a flowchart for authorizing a viewer exceeding an authorization limit. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a machine in the form of a computer system in which, when a set of instructions is executed, any one or more of the methods discussed herein may be performed. It is a figure which can be made to make a machine execute.

Claims (22)

A method for authorizing an activity in an IPTV (Internet Protocol Television) environment,
Receiving an activity request from a viewer seeking IPTV activity;
Checking the activity request against a filter for the viewer; rejecting the activity request if the activity exceeds an authorization limit in the filter;
Receiving an exception request to exceed the authorization limit in the filter;
Presenting the exception request to an account administrator for authorization;
Notifying the viewer of the authorization.   The method of claim 1, wherein the authorization limit further comprises at least one of a set consisting of an MPAA rating, an amount, a duration of an activity, and an activity per period.   The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the activity further includes at least one of a set consisting of viewing an event and purchasing an item.   The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein the filter further comprises a plurality of cascaded filters.   Presenting the exception request provides the account administrator with at least one of a set consisting of a viewer username, activity name, account balance, MPAA rating, and fee. The method of claim 1, further comprising:   Presenting the exception request further comprises contacting the account administrator using at least one of a set consisting of an email address, a text message, and a telephone. Item 6. The method according to Item 1 or 5.   The method of claim 1 or 2, further comprising the step of importing authorization limits into the filter. The authorization limit further comprises a strict limit and a generous limit, comprising:
Further comprising automatically granting an authorization for the exception request at the account administrator if the activity request exceeds the generous limit but does not exceed the strict limit. Item 6. The method according to any one of Items 1, 2, or 5.   The method of claim 1, wherein the filter is stored in at least one of a set consisting of a server and a set top box. A computer readable medium accessible to a server for executing instructions contained in a computer program embedded in a computer readable medium, the computer program comprising:
Instructions for receiving an activity request from a viewer seeking IPTV activity;
Instructions for checking the activity request against a filter for the viewer;
An instruction to reject the activity request if the activity exceeds an authorization limit in the filter;
Instructions for receiving an exception request to exceed the authorization limit in the filter;
Instructions for presenting said exception request to an account administrator for authorization;
And a computer-readable medium including instructions for notifying the viewer of the authorization.   The computer-readable medium of claim 10, wherein the authorization limit further comprises at least one of a set consisting of an MPAA rating, an amount, a duration of activity, and an activity per period.   The computer-readable medium of claim 10 or 11, wherein the activity comprises at least one of a set consisting of viewing an event and purchasing an item.   The computer-readable medium of claim 10 or 11, wherein the filter further comprises a plurality of cascaded filters.   The account manager may include at least one of a set of an instruction for presenting the exception request including a viewer user name, an activity name, an account balance, an MPAA rating, and a fee. The computer-readable medium of claim 10, further comprising instructions for providing to the computer.   Instructions for submitting the exception request are for contacting the account administrator using at least one of a set consisting of an email address, a text message, and a telephone number. The computer readable medium of claim 10 or 14, further comprising instructions.   12. The computer readable medium of claim 10 or 11, further comprising instructions for importing authorization limits into the filter. The authorization limit is a computer-readable medium further comprising a strict limit and a generous limit,
If the activity request exceeds the generous limit but does not exceed the strict limit, the account administrator further includes an instruction to automatically grant authorization for the exception request. 15. A computer readable medium according to any one of claims 10, 11 or 14, comprising.   The computer-readable medium of claim 10, wherein the filter is stored in at least one of a set consisting of a server and a set top box. A set of application program interfaces embodied on a computer readable medium for execution on a computer with an application program in an IPTV environment,
A first interface for receiving a viewer request for IPTV activity;
A second interface for receiving an exception request to exceed an authorization limit for the viewer;
A set of application program interfaces including a third interface for receiving authorization for the activity.   20. The set of application program interfaces of claim 19, wherein the authorization limit further comprises at least one of a set consisting of an MPAA rating, an amount, a duration of activity, and an activity per period. .   21. A set of application program interfaces according to claim 19 or 20, wherein the authorization limit further comprises an imported authorization limit. If the authorization limit further comprises a strict limit and a lenient limit, and the activity request exceeds the lenient limit but does not exceed the strict limit, the exception request 21. A set of application program interfaces according to claim 19 or 20, wherein is automatically authorized.

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